![\"Pro-Palestine](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/giving-hope-to-young-people-over-housing-is-the-challenge-of-our-time-says-martin.jpg\")
Pro-Palestine supporters demonstrate outside the Dublin Royal Convention Centre\u00a0(Conor O Mearain\/PA)<\/p>\nGiving hope to young people in Ireland that they can afford to buy or rent a home is the \u201cdefining challenge of our time\u201d, Miche\u00e1l Martin has said.<\/p>\n
The Fianna F\u00e1il leader told his party\u2019s Ard Fheis in Dublin that delivering the largest sustained programme of public investment was an absolute priority\u201d.<\/p>\n
The Taoiseach also said there had to be a \u201cnew national effort to secure our ability to trade with the world\u201d.<\/p>\n
Martin delivered the keynote address at the conference, which marked the centenary of his party’s founding.<\/p>\n
Earlier, protesters carrying Palestinian flags had gathered at a gate at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre. There was a significant Garda presence during the protest.<\/p>\n
Pro-Palestine supporters demonstrate outside the Dublin Royal Convention Centre\u00a0(Conor O Mearain\/PA)<\/p>\n
Martin told the Ard Fheis he was determined to \u201cdeliver critical investments, to open up new markets and to support job creators, through tax reform that rewards work and incentivises enterprise\u201d.<\/p>\n
He said if Ireland wanted to be successful, it \u201cmust trade with the world\u201d.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cTrade supports hundreds of thousands of jobs \u2013 providing the revenue which funds pensions and public services.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo, disruption of trade through tariffs and closed borders is a direct threat to us.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou cannot oppose trade and claim to support Irish jobs and businesses.<\/p>\n
We have to build up our presence and our political engagement with more countries<\/p>\n
Taoiseach Micheal Martin<\/p>\n
\u201cWe need a new national effort to secure our ability to trade with the world.\u201d<\/p>\n
Opening up new trading markets would \u201creduce reliance on traditional ones\u201d, the Taoiseach said.<\/p>\n
He said, \u201cWe have to build up our presence and our political engagement with more countries.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd we have to support fair trade deals where they offer a clear opportunity for Ireland.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said economic and social progress \u201cmust go hand in hand\u201d.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cTo give young people hope that they can find and afford a home to buy or rent is a defining challenge of our time.<\/p>\n
![\"Former](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1778986452_784_giving-hope-to-young-people-over-housing-is-the-challenge-of-our-time-says-martin.jpg\")
Former Taoiseach Brian Cowen (left) looks at an exhibition of election literature (Conor O Mearain\/PA)<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is only one serious way of doing this \u2013 we need to build more homes, of every type and in every part of the country. We need action and investment, which is steady and relentless.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhich permanently expands capacity to build homes \u2013 and gives priority to those seeking their first home.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Taoiseach said 36,000 new homes were built last year, but it was \u201cnot enough\u201d.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cWe must make it easier to build the homes we need \u2013 and we must be honest that this involves tough choices.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe will implement our reforms to planning so that decisions are fair but also faster.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe will deliver the largest programme ever of investment in critical services, so that the water, sewerage, power and roads we need for new homes are in place.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd we are determined to push forward a new era in social housing as well as support for people looking for a first home at an affordable price.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Taoiseach said the war in the Middle East had made families feel the impact of rising energy and fuel prices.<\/p>\n
![\"Micheal](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1778986453_403_giving-hope-to-young-people-over-housing-is-the-challenge-of-our-time-says-martin.jpg\")
Micheal Martin is applauded by the crowd after his speech (Conor O Mearain\/PA)<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cWe have to help those under most pressure through actions to reduce price levels and directly support those worst affected.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut this will keep happening, so we have to do more.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have to guarantee secure and affordable energy supplies in the future.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe must go much further in reducing our dependence on imported gas and oil.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe move to clean and sustainable energy is vital for our environment \u2013 but it is also essential if we want to deal with high and rapidly changing prices.\u201d<\/p>\n
Turning to the Northern Ireland peace agreement, Martin said \u201ctoo little\u201d had been done to secure its full benefits.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cThat\u2019s why our Shared Island Initiative is absolutely essential.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is an urgent and ambitious programme to build connections, deepen understanding and show the progress and prosperity which we all could share.\u201d<\/p>\n
Fianna Fail passionately believes that a stronger, more dynamic, more effective European Union is in Ireland\u2019s interests<\/p>\n
Micheal Martin<\/p>\n
The Taoiseach said Ireland \u201ccannot stand on the sidelines\u201d at a time of international turmoil.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cIn the face of those who want to hollow out the European Union, Ireland must be resolute.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe can see in Britain how much damage they can do if left unchallenged.<\/p>\n
\u201cFianna F\u00e1il passionately believes that a stronger, more dynamic, more effective European Union is in Ireland\u2019s interests.<\/p>\n
![\"Man](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/donegal-crash-e1778959927303.jpg\")
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